n6 



CARNIVORES. 



dentition. In the adult males the general colour of the upper-parts, with the 

 exception of the shoulders, is nearly black, with a more or less marked grey, or 

 reddish grey grizzle ; but the shoulders are distinctly grey. The sides of the nose 

 and lips are brownish, the breast is brownish orange, while the limbs and under- 

 parts are reddish brown. The females are much lighter in colour, being uniformly 

 grey above, with the under-parts brownish or rufous. In both sexes the individual 

 variations in colour are largely due to the varying proportions of the grey in the 



THE NORTHERN SEA-BEAR (j'j Iiat. size). 



hairs. The young when first bbrn are of a uniform glossy black colour, with the 

 under-fur lighter in hue, and less abundant than in the adults. 



These seals are much smaller than the larger sea-lions, the old males, according 

 to Captain Bryant, measuring from 7 to 8 feet in total length, and having a girth 

 of from 6 to 7 feet; while their weight is estimated at from 700 to 800 lbs. 

 They do not attain their full size till about the sixth year. The females, which 

 reach their full dimensions when five years old, measure 4 feet in length and 2i 

 feet in girth, and weigh from 80 to 100 lbs. The ears are absolutely longer than 

 in the far larger northern sea-lion. The difference in the dimensions of the two 

 sexes is greater than in any other member of the family. 



